20 Surprising Things Your Cabin Steward Can Bring You on a Cruise

If you're going on a cruise for the first time, you might be wondering what a cruise cabin steward does and what you can expect. Even experienced cruisers may not be aware of the surprising things cruise cabin stewards can do and bring you on a cruise.
Cruise ship cabin attendants are different than hotel housekeeping, and can make a huge difference in how you enjoy your cruise cabin. Cruises are great vacations, and cruise ship crew are a big part of how much cruise passengers enjoy them.
This video is great for first time cruisers and full of helpful cruise tips all cruisers can use. If this is your first cruise, this will help you to know what to expect.
Whether you cruise with Carnival, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America or any other cruise line, this useful cruise advice will help as you get ready for your cruise vacation
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
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Some of the video B-Roll footage courtesy of RCCL
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[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner

[@carlijarvi1198]

I am so excited 🎉 I will be going on my 1st cruise for my birthday in August and I've been watching Life Well Cruised for the last 4 months or so 😊 I ordered a Planner and have not received it yet 😢 HELP please and thank you ❤

[@kimelaburston7766]

Are there special qualifications if I bring my own extention cord for my cpap?

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@carlijarvi1198 very exciting! Can you please send me an email at [e-mail] & I’ll make sure you get it & can download it - thanks, Ilana :)

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@kimelaburston7766 it’s best to ask the cruise line/ most don’t allow extension cords but may have exceptions for medical reasons but they must be aware to advise you

[@amw3311]

P&O don’t allow extension cables at all, even those with no surge. Room service even for breakfast now comes with a £2.50 fee.

[@tammaratiffany7425]

On a Viking cruise, I got sick (right before COVID). My steward checked on me. She pulled my blanket up a few times, refilled my water, opened my window, but closed the drapes. The chefs made sure I had soup delivered. The staff was better than my travel mate.

[@keenangraves8633]

😮 That’s crazy!

[@QueenKayKay47]

If they did all of that, they deserved a $500 tip!

[@bonniegirl5138]

Wow!

[@user-it2jo8bx4n]

We were on Cruise&Maritime Marco Polo (no longer in existence) I became quite ill our stewardess was wonderful(as was my husband) she brought me tea cold water and checked on me regularly while she was working especially when I made my husband get off the ship in port she was so kind and got a big tip from me

[@deboramiller3455]

I always get up early and get my latte in the morning and a pastry. One morning I asked my steward if she liked the specialty coffee. She said yes but didn’t think it legal for her to have it. Every morning I brought her a latte and pastry and left it on her cart discreetly covered with a napkin. If I saw someone else by the cart, I would leave it in my room for her. It was our little secret 😊

[@kepckatherinec805]

That was a lovely, thoughtful thing for you to do. Must have made that lady very happy.💐

[@mackenziem.nicolen4192]

I am definitely doing this!

[@GigiTee-hv4tq]

Secret??? All their food is free too😂😂😂 she probably already had her coffee and breakfast when you would leave it on her carr😂

[@highpsi11]

How can specialty coffee be illegal? Maybe she meant that crew isn't permitted to get it as part of their food ration? So they'd have to pay for it themselves? I don't understand this restriction for crew's coffee.

[@drbushwoman]

⁠@@GigiTee-hv4tq staff get different food and drinks than customers. They even have to pay for their soda, so I doubt they get lattes and fancy pastries.

[@2littlecutekittys217]

I only have experience with Royal Caribbean and I am impressed of their service. In one occasion we ordered the dinner in the restaurant but I felt dizzy so I went to my room. When the server noticed I was not on my table he asked what happened. When he serviced my family members, he sent me the dinner to my room while my husband and family were dining in the restaurant. I did not asked for that but that tells me how they care about passengers.

[@user-op5sk6mb3j]

That is quite impressive

[@sallyjibodh693]

We gave our cabin attendant 100...he was so happy he started dancing in the hallway...made our day seeing kind sweet hardworking guy so happy 😊

[@blackphoenix684]

Do you still do your gratuity? Or tip them in cash instead of your gratuity

[@lovecruisin6457]

I sail with Princes. I love tea so I would make the trek to the buffet several times a day for a cup of tea. Well, I watched another cruise vlogger who indicated you can ask for a kettle for your room so you can make a cup of tea. I asked my room steward on my last 3 week cruise for a kettle and he not only brought me a kettle but an assortment of tea as well - and he kept it stocked for the entire cruise!

[@junedunne]

I'm a tea lover too I wonder if NCL does this or RCI? I get so frustrated when they bring water in a pot that they swear has never had coffee in it, but it has. I don't like coffee and coffee sediment always gets in the nooks and crannies and spoils the water and makes the tea taste awful. An electric tea kettle would solve that.

[@lisajoy4499]

I ask for a packed lunch for days off the boat from room service...a big tip helps

[@nicolenielwhite5420]

We took my 90 years old father-in-law on his first cruise this year. As we didn't spend every moment together we were able to keep track of him with the medallion but the room steward was amazing when my FIL would get turned around on his deck he'd point him back to his cabin which we'd decorated with some fun magnets. The steward also alerted the other stewards on the fore deck and a few times they got him to the right cabin. A big shout out to those stewards that go above and beyond. And yes everytime we saw his steward we thanked him and made sure he had a generous extra tip.

[@MJ-gj6mj]

That is really neat! I'm sure your FIL enjoyed his time aboard 😊

[@user-jb3pm9ys4h]

Sorry, I laughed at this. My sister and I travelled on QM2 last week with our 92 year old mother and I bet she’d have loved a way of contacting us every time she got lost!

[@juliecarlee5154]

Why are you all leaving these extremely elderly people to find their own way back to their cabin?! 😤

[@edwinalasal9114]

My husband left his dress pants at home. Our steward was wonderful he found a pair of waiter pants for him to use and duck tape to use to hem them up. They worked great. This was on NCL out of California over 30 years ago.

[@joycheatham6611]

Wow that is going above and beyond!

[@TheSharpasice]

In the 90's on our first cruise, my husband forgot his dress shoes and was going to wear sandals to the MDR. Our room steward heard and sent the man from the tuxedo rental over, who measured him for shoes and found him a pair of dress shoes he could wear for dinner & pix. And they were free!

[@_kimiadventures]

Now that’s service wow

[@jacquelinemeier-boucher8192]

How cool and smart

[@WendyShepard-zf1jg]

So is room service free on Carnival liberty?

[@user-ud5it2rp8b]

was traveling with my elderly mother & one evening we came back to our cabin & found our towels were folded into lions. This brightened my Mom's day so much that our attended folded the towels into different animals - every night! What a gift for her!

[@linamendt9149]

This is Normal on many cruises.

[@user-hx6ip8ko9g]

As soon as I arrive I ask the cabin attendant to empty the minibar so I can use it store fruit, yogurt, and juices that I bring back from the buffet.

[@NormanAllan53]

We've cruised over 60 times and everything you mentioned is factual.That said, earlier this year we were on Norwegian twice and I noticed the balcony only had two chairs and a small table.I asked the cabin steward to swap out both chairs for one lounge chair.I enjoy the fresh air.My wife never sits on the balcony. The next day sure enough there was my lounge chair and did I ever enjoy afternoon naps and my music stored on my phone.

[@beachbum333]

NCL is great!!

[@jbob1548]

Love this idea! I hope RC does this too.

[@lyndaschatz348]

I'll be on MSC soon and was planning on asking for a lounge chair. I hope they'll accommodate

[@mary6734]

Oh, I didn't know you could swap your balcony chairs for a lounger.

[@debbiecavins3880]

@@mary6734 Only on some balconies. Not all can handle the lounge chair.

[@shelleytuttle4829]

Accidentally, we were booked into a non-handicap room when we had to re-book. Upon arrival, I expressed my shock to my attendant. They found me a shower chair and elevated toilet seat for my Mom. He always seemed to be right there when I needed to door prop to exit the room. We were with him 14 days on a back to back repositioning cruise. I was so grateful for him always looking out for us. So you can get last minute stuff.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s wonderful to hear

[@macwess6098]

We are 71 and 69 and took our first ever cruise last month to Alaska and really appreciate all of the helpful information we got from your videos! You are the BEST!

[@FindingPebbles]

That's really nice.

[@jackmchammocklashing224]

I always respect my cabin steward, I place a bio disposable bag daily in the waste bin, I give a seperate private gratuity, and on a Rare occasion when my stewardess had special dispensation to fly from Jordon to the Holy land, I chucked in her air fare, as a treat, I am not rich or well off,just human and the trip meant the world to her, she had saved so long for

[@bugwar5545]

"I am not rich or well off" Yes. Yes you are. You might not be as wealthy as some you know, but when you can afford a cruise and a mid-East airfare for a ship worker, you are well to do.

[@jackmchammocklashing224]

@@bugwar5545 I am certainly not rich, I save up all year or maybe two for a cruise, but I know after hard work I have a bit more than a crew member on a cruise line As for rich I only cruise on Costa an affordable for me cruise line I am not middle class I am working class and work 45 hours a week on standard working class pay, as in £12k a year

[@user-nt9vo2rk5j]

Rich or not, that was a really nice thing to do.

[@donnaporter7823]

When we went on a 15 day cruise, I made a quilt for the cabin stewart to show our appreciation. When we gave it to him, he left without saying anything. I worried for a couple of days that I had done something wrong. When we were leaving, I saw him and asked if I did something wrong. His reply was that he was emotional and had to leave. Is it ok to give a gift like that?

[@nuvoclassic]

As a fellow quilter, what a thoughtful gift. I'm emotional and would hae left too - being a natural 'hugger'. The ship policy may be NOT to hug/touch passengers...

[@vagabonddeesadventures8491]

Also a quilter. What a beautiful gift. I understand why he was so touched.

[@travelbug8632]

❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️

[@brooksmorelock5545]

The first step for cabin stewards must be ninja training - they are so fast and stealthy

[@laurabatton]

On our recent Alaskan cruise on Celebrity we were celebrating our 40th anniversary. They provided a special dinner and wine in our cabin after it. Our attendant set it up with towel swans, wine glasses and rose petals. All for free.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Wow!! Impressive 🥂👏

[@MrLorenWSmith]

Always love your videos, thank you. On the thought about tipping your cabin attendant, we have always followed a routine when we cruise that I truly believe has made out cabin attendant experience/relationship one that is always above and beyond. I am a frugal traveler but with that said, I am NOT opposed to spending money, I just want it to be money well spent. Upon arriving to our cabin on every cruise we have ever gone on, we leave a pre-written letter/note to the cabin attendant. We introduce ourselves, let them know we are experienced cruisers and most of all THANK them in advance for all they are going to do to make our trip amazing. If we have any requests (egg crate, empty the fridge, extra towels, etc. we list them) and along with the note we paperclip a $100 bill to the paper. The note is in an envelope that we address to "Our Cabin Steward" and we leave it on the bed (or hand it to them if we run into them). Yes, that is a heft tip, but it has always been worth every penny. We find that we get extra effort and extra attention whenever we do that. (Remember, the definition of TIPS is: To Insure Proper Service. It is intended to be done BEFORE any service is done, not after. Somehow the definition over time made people do it at the end which honestly is counterintuitive. Everyone rises with motivation and expectation. Just my two cents.) I would rather give a $100 to the cabin attendant upon embarkation day than blow it in the casino or the spa. For $100, I get suite type luxury service and attention while staying in an interior or balcony room. ;) Happy cruising! Keep up the videos.

[@SirenaSpades]

I think this would be very effective.

[@Oakridger2024]

I get great service from my stewards without tipping first.

[@nancyjbrown1598]

So do you also give another tip at the end of the cruise as well? I like the idea of tip at beginning.

[@mirakelmayoral7357]

I love the idea of a note with your requests, especially since my spouse and I both have ADHD and tend to forget to do stuff. I'd rather write my note now and make my requests, print it out, and pack it with my documentation stuff so I make sure it's taken care of.

[@monicareynolds8053]

On Carnival last year (our first cruise) masks were no longer required and we meant to pack them anyway but then forgot. They made an announcement that the port required masks, and we immediately panicked. Our cabin steward was in the hallway and as soon as we asked, he quickly whipped two masks out of his cart like magic. He did the same when we needed a pen the next day. Little things, but he was so prepared! Also he made the best towel animals!

[@karenmckenzie8465]

What carnival cruise will you be on?

[@maryanneorloff5527]

What ports did you visit where you needed masks?

[@PsychicPhilosopher]

In May 2022, we sailed on Carnival Glory. I injured my knee the very first night onboard. (It was not Carnival‘s fault. I was a klutz.) Carnival was gracious enough to loan me a push wheelchair at no cost for the rest of the cruise. Our cabin steward was so kind. Whenever he saw us in the hallway, he would stop what he was doing and rush to our cabin to open the door. He also left a doorstop in our room to help us get out of our cabin and help us when he wasn’t around. But even after he left the doorstop, if he saw us he would open the door for us. That just meant everything. It was our first cruise after the pandemic, and it was a bit difficult with my unexpected injury. I definitely got a look at another side of life, and that made helpers like our cabin steward even more appreciated. Truly a wonderful human being.

[@dianereardon58]

On our last RC cruise, our cabin steward saw my husband’s CPap machine and offered to bring us distilled water. No charge. It was a nice touch.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Nice!

[@francesgill8621]

Interesting. Holland is charging me $3 for distilled water for my cpap on my upcoming cruise with them in August. Princess and MSC have given it to me for free.

[@joeo7693]

I have had the same experience cruising on RCL.

[@Kattchannel]

Same! It was great!❤

[@katieslater8548]

@@francesgill8621Would I have my travel agent request the distilled water? I am looking at my celebrity account and I don’t see anywhere to request it.

[@LindaFuhrman]

I've given the cabin attendants a card with tip at the beginning of my cruise.... telling them how excited I am to be on the trip and that I will keep my cabin as tidy as possible. (usually with a smiley face) They always seem so enthusiastic and eager to be helpful..... even if I don't ask them for a single thing during the cruise. They know that they are appreciated from Day 1!!!!

[@MiaHessMusic]

Great idea!!

[@melissabarclay8431]

I love this idea

[@georgiahilton6051]

About to go on my first cruise. How much do you tip the attendant?

[@Mishabug83]

@@georgiahilton6051Me too. So I’m wondering the same thing.

[@janchapdelaine3683]

Same - we also paid for gratuities in advance but I would like to go above and beyond because they do for me. Not sure how the gratuities in advance work - 🤷‍♀️

[@brendacook1536]

Hi Alina, even though we always pay our gratuities in advance, my husband introduces himself to our attendant and from that day forward, he hands that person $20 a day and make sure he always says thank you and tell him how much we appreciate him. These people work so hard for the past 18 years, we cruise every year and one of the attendance told my husband he appreciates when a guest acknowledges him with a hello oh thank you he told us they are many guess that would bump into him I wouldn’t even say excuse me these guests would look straight through them, as if there were nothing these attendance work so hard, and I think that the hardest workers on the ship just sharing🎈🇺🇸🎈

[@allenbateman3518]

I am hot natured and always feel that the AC in the rooms do not cool enough. My last cruise in April, I ordered and small fan and some magnetic hook magnets. I put the fan right beside the AC output and used the magnetic hooks to hold the line so it wouldn't be just hanging.. It worked great! The fan propelled the cold air right over the bed.. Worked great..

[@Backnine907]

I have always tipped my cabin Stewart on the first day anywhere between $50-100 and another $50-75 on the last day. This all depends on the length of the cruise. One time, without asking, the cabin Steward decorated our room with a bunch of birthday balloons and banners when he found it it was my wife's birthday. He also left two huge cupcakes with candles as well. Regardless, it does pay to be super nice to your cabin steward. They have a tough job and 99.999% of the time they try very hard to go up and beyond to make your cruise enjoyable.

[@lisamurphy4796]

One thing I forgot on my last cruise was a small sewing kit. Thankfully my cabin steward overheard me in the hallway and brought me 2 small sewing kits , just in case....lol and saved the day. 😊

[@chrisanastasia4361]

Three out of three cruises I've been on, the cabin stewards were great. The second cruise I went on was on a Norvwegian cruise with my mom and some friends. My mom uses a CPAP machine and the steward brought distilled water right away without us even asking. The last cruise I went on was with Royal Caribbean and my girlfriend wanted firmer pillows and our steward even took us to the supply room to show us what pillows they had so my girlfriend could pick them out :)

[@christinesaunders1392]

L

[@happycruiser]

We had our cabin steward repair a handbag. He took it away, and brought it back in perfect shape. Also had them help with a damaged suitcase once. They have provided us with a needle and thread.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s a really good one I would not have thought of. Thanks for mentioning

[@JuanPerez-ew5qo]

I didn't know about the coffee maker or mattress topper. Great tips! Water is usually extra (at least in my experience) even with drink packages, when brought to the cabin. However, we were given this tip by one of our cabin stewards. Ask for a pitcher of water to be delivered with your complimentary continental breakfast order, and they will bring it. Now, bare in mind that a pitcher of water will not usually be part of the menu items. We were told to write it in, and its worked like a charm every time we've done it.

[@debbiecavins3880]

Some cruise line don't have mattress toppers...but what they will do is put a few of those douvets (the heavy bedspread) on the bed. They made mine very comfy

[@dianaabruzzese3794]

On Cunard my steward had a broken sandal fixed for me❣️

[@jackierevard1159]

What cruise line had coffee makers to use in your room?

[@cajundragon]

Oh really? I have a little ☕one I was going to bring with me. If this is confirmed I will save the suitcase space! Nice.

[@everhea9907]

I didn't hear her say anything about coffee makers, was that in the video?

[@scottsaltman]

On my last cruise, I kindly asked for a bucket of ice. That way, I could have cold water as it melted. My steward brought me a bucket of ice every day and we really appreciated it. It is also pleasant when you are going to a very warm destination to always have chilled water in the cabin.

[@tammaratiffany7425]

I got this on my last cruise as well. Fresh ice each evening. It kept me I. Fresh, cold water all night.

[@lynneshapiro3248]

Regarding special accomodations: I had gastric sleeve surgery, so since we're going on an RCCL cruise in October, I reached out to the special accomodations at Royal Caribbean. I let them know about my dietary needs and how I don't want to waste food and I may want to share my husband's entree. Here is their answer: "Dear Lynne, Thank you for sharing your dietary information with us. We appreciate your consideration and commitment to minimizing food waste. We understand that after undergoing bariatric gastric surgery, your food intake has changed, and you prefer smaller portions. We recommend that you meet with the Head Waiter in the Main Dining Room, and Restaurant Managers at other dining venues, to review the menus and identify selections you wish to have modified or avoided, we will be more than happy to accommodate to your dietary needs. If you decide to share an entree with your husband, please let your table server know, and they will assist in arranging it accordingly. We want to ensure that your meals are satisfying and well-suited to your preferences. Thank you for your understanding and proactive approach to reducing food waste. We are delighted to have you as our guest, and we look forward to providing you with a delightful dining experience that meets your unique needs. If you have any additional requests or further questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Best regards, Maria Sagastume Access Advocate" This is why I just LOVE Royal Caribbean!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing! Excellent communication by both Royal & yourself 👏

[@loopner4689]

I too had bariatric surgery before my cruise. With a doctor note, I was able to bring protein drinks over the beverage allowance. They were supposed to be carried on, but with the weight, I was not happy about that. I put them in the luggage and taped a copy of the Dr. note to it. No problems whatsoever.

[@kevingodwin5555]

My first and only Carnival experience a year ago we were at dinner and for whatever reason it was taking along time to get our food mainly our desserts and my two nieces wanted to go catch a show so they never got their desserts they were excited about. The next evening, the waitress was very apologetic and was able to have the check prepare the previous nights desserts for the girls even though it wasn't on the menu. We thought that was pretty awesome to go out of her way to even ask the chef much less make it happy :)

[@alberts.ferguson8086]

JULY 29, 2023. I love the idea about tipping in advance! I always tip the last day but it is far more strategic to tip at first meeting! Never thought about that in over 20 continuous years of cruising.

[@carolandrews2114]

We have found that leaving a small gift, either daily or a few times on our cruise, really puts a joyful smile on the cabin stewards face. It can be some candies or small items from home or a little something from our island visits from the day. May times the steward does not get off the ship at the ports, so we have found this to be a delight for them.

[@ShakeyLimbs]

Lol, nobody wants your snacks they want CASH.

[@mhoffman11]

*While cruising on the Ruby Princess, the night tables had motion detector sensors on the bottom which lit up whenever someone got up at night. We asked our cabin steward about this. He put blue painters tape over the sensors so no jarring lights. As an alternative, the small decorative pillows on the bed can be placed in front of the sensors. *At my request, our cabin steward brought me a light blanket and removed the comforter on the bed which made sleeping more pleasant. I also asked our steward to not tuck in the bedding which is my preference. *Cruise planners can also be gotten at the service desk. Note that the schedule on the printed cruise planner can differ from the cruise planner on the app. *If you ask for a robe, be sure to request the size that you want. We requested robes on the website personalizer ahead of time. I then asked for a larger robe which the steward brought. *On one occasion, I left a note for my husband to tend to something in the room. Our cabin steward read the note and took care of this. That got him an extra tip!

[@SuperGoatTV]

One time I was cruising with my buddy during the World Cup and as we all know channel lineup is very limited in your cabin but upon boarding the ship I noticed my room Steward was watching one of the World Cup games on the TV in my room as he was finishing getting the room ready so we were just dropping off our bags. I asked him how in the world was he watching the game when those channels are not available and he explained to me that he was accessing the channels that are available to the crew and he has a code that he can use to unlock the TV. I tipped him $20 and begged him to leave the TV unlocked so that I could watch the Brazil game, which was playing the same day we would be at Cozumel. I promised him I wouldn't say a word which I didn't but I basically had access to all of the channels that the crew members have and I was able to go on my Excursion at Cozumel and got back just in time to watch the Brazil match. We also had access to a couple of premium movie channels, lol that was probably the most unusual request I had fulfilled on a cruise ship LOL because had I not walked in on him watching the game I would have missed the Brazil game for sure lol

[@carolrequet5465]

That’s awesome!!

[@JoyceLevis]

NCL no longer has coffee makers in most cabins. When I asked my cabin Stewart, he told me that they are now by request only. I requested one and he gladly brought it for me. He also restocked supplies regularly. This is great if you like your first cup before going for breakfast in the morning.

[@karenrowell5726]

We always make our requests for extra towels, daily ice, etc, on first meeting with steward, along with $20 or so (depending on length of trip), and always receive excellent service. We tip again at the end additional to prepaids. They work very hard and always take great care of us!

[@kenyalitaduplessis3852]

Just came off a cruise with Royal Caribbean and rented a scooter from Special Needs at Sea. The scooter was waiting for me outside my cabin. At the end of the cruise RC made it much easier instead of leaving in cabin as instructed but to leave the scooter in designated lounge area and they transported me in a wheelchair from that area to disembark the ship. Your information is always very helpful.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing this

[@samo8204]

Thank you for your content!

[@sheilapearsonreflections]

Thanks. Good info.

[@Sharon-bo2se]

Have had very good interactions with our cabin stewards and other staff. Definitely tipped at the end and along the way. I have mobility issues and everyone was so helpful. We always made sure to be polite, smile, and thank the staff. Courtesy goes a long way to making a cruise a positive experience for everyone.

[@lisamatta2919]

All of your videos are so helpful, love them!

[@jennisteve]

Another great video ! Thx !

[@Turn-N-Up]

Thanks for the great cruise tips!

[@kerrychabot]

I LOVE the towel animals! I think I squealed every time we came in & they’d left 1! I didn’t realize we could request them! Omgosh I’m so excited!!

[@cruisecrazy]

Thanks for another great video. I never thought some of those services or things were available. Will definitely be asking for the mattress topper and also ice bucket service on our next cruise in October. We like to tip at the beginning of the cruise and also at the end. We are Princess cruisers and, although we choose the package that includes the gratuities, we see all the work the room stewards do for us and want to show our appreciation. Thanks also for always asking others to share their ideas. Just got a great idea from a comment below left weeks ago. So glad I’m subscribing-many valuable ideas for happy cruising! 😊

[@isp4984]

This is so helpful! Thank you Ilana!

[@heiditobin4341]

Thank you for all these helpful hints!

[@suzetteperrin8223]

Great to know about all these extras our cabin attendant can help with. I do like to tip at the beginning especially since I ask for daily ice refills. I also leave a thank you note for the attendant with another tip at the end. I bring sticky notes to alert him/her of needs and appreciation during my stay.

[@carolepeck3829]

Really appreciated the 2 stewards on my Viking cruise. They were the best! In fact all of the crew was fabulous ❤

[@timpeters3237]

Loved the info!

[@janecooper1766]

Great tips. Thanks😊

[@123Puke]

I do $20 and would consider $40 or $50 but a hundred us a little steep

[@Hermionesmom]

Just got off a carnival cruise and the blue plush blanket was fabulous! And we definitely need the dive in movie blankets due to colder than expected temps.

[@mikejoyal4855]

Great tips!

[@stevetaub2826]

Very informative- thanks!

[@kathryncashner3294]

On recent cruises, we have been surprised to find extra towels (in addition to the 4 in the bathroom) in one of the storage bins in the closet. Very convenient! and no need to ask for extras! Extra blankets are usually available if needed--very helpful if one person likes the cabin cooler than the other does.; We had a suitcase repaired on the ship at no charge, even though I told them it had been damaged by the airline.

[@mikebilon8208]

On most of the Princess ships, you need an extension cord for the CPAP machine. Invariably the cord is a nuisance on the floor during the day. For the first time in the 20 or so cruises that we needed the cord he took the time to plug it in behind the TV, which is a feat in itself. WOW 👌

[@bonitarobinson113]

thank you....very informative

[@rblightchild]

thank you for this info

[@AnnSmith-ez2yh]

I prepare a list for our room steward before we get on board. I just type up a small note with a few requests ~Bathrobes ~Extra towels and pillows ~Extra blankets for the beds ~Blanket for outdoor movies ~Third lounge chair for our balcony (always book an aft facing balcony) ~ask for late morning service to have our cabin cleaned. ~Ice bucket filled twice a day ~Empty our fridge so we don’t get charged for the items the cruise line charges u for. ~We are always very generous and leave cash in an envelope with this note. ***** NCL will not open the partition between cabins on the balcony. NCL only provides one cabin service now. They used to provide an additional turn down service daily but now the staff has more than double the cabins to clean. We place our room service breakfast order prior to going to bed by filling out the form and leaving it on our cabin door in the hall to be delivered by 7am. It’s important we feel that passengers should also make sure to tip the delivery person in cash each delivery. On NCL there is a charge for room service all day including continental breakfast.

[@nowakezoneforever6021]

lol “…a few requests…”

[@lornekay8948]

Thank you for a very helpful and informative video. For us, the cabin steward is the most essential crewmember for our comfort and enjoyment of the cruise. We’ve been on over a dozen cruises and have always had good cabins stewards. My wife uses a wheelchair and often we ask that extra furniture be removed for the week or that furniture be rearranged. Without their help in doing this, the cabin would be inaccessible. Last year, my wife was not able to get into the bathroom unless they removed the sofa (and this was a so-called wheelchair accessible room). The cruise line (Celebrity) was very accommodating, and but it was really the room stewards that did the heavy lifting. Our room steward is usually the only crewmember that we give an extra gratuity to because he or she deserves it.

[@Layingflat]

Good video,thank you ❤

[@lindastover9541]

Great video ❤❤❤❤

[@susannewman5103]

I took you up on your idea about leaving our cabin steward a special little treat with a positive note daily I think he really enjoyed it and it was really fun. ❤

[@CruisingEngineer]

On Disney, our stateroom hosts have brought us over the years (we are Platinum) bathrobes and slippers, Mickey marshmallow treats, towel animals, wine/champagne glasses, wine/bottle openers, chocolate truffles, and eyeglasses repair kit (lost screw). They have often saved me from the glitches in the laundry mat with computer/machine errors. We tip half (they don't know it's half of the extra tip) right up front and the other half (or more because they far, far exceeded their job) at the end of the cruise and I write a detailed letter to the captain and staff on how much each special crew member made our cruise extra special.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Sounds fabulous 👏

[@pg-uz2cm]

Love your videos they are extremely helpful...!

[@tomschultz530]

Great tips! The mattress topper, thank you much!

[@rikkidalenberg6924]

Besides tipping, which we always do, and a thank you note, what are ways that we can make things easier/better for our cabin attendant? Not leaving a huge mess behind when we leave the cabin is, of course, a given, but what are other things we can do? Even on vacation, I can't turn off the "mom" instinct and the want to make things better for others.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awe! That’s kind of you. Sounds like you’re a great guest

[@constanceworden487]

One thing we like to do is ask the room attendant if we can pick anything special up for them when we go into port. Do they like a special snack, need OTC meds, crave certain fast food, want a souvenir to send home, etc. Usually one out of 3-4 cruises will ask for something, especially when we impress upon them it’s something we really want to do for them. We always bring a little something special for our RA, from our home state. Usually something edible, since they don’t have much storage space in their living quarters.

[@shespeakssoftly]

@@constanceworden487that is so lovely, great idea.

[@melissabarclay8431]

@@constanceworden487 this is a great idea.

[@JayCaesar]

Cabin attendants work so hard. I always try to show my appreciation with cash tips (trust me, those automatic gratuities don't go as far as people think; sooooo many staff members share them) and by mentioning them by name in cruise line surveys and reviews. I also try to be kind and respectful to them at all times; too many people just aren't that way to service staff. Thanks, Ilana, for another great vid!

[@temmietaft2552]

Thanks for sharing this video. I am so glad that you discussed this topic

[@pampotla6450]

I’ve just subscribed. Thanks for the info

[@ivette0369]

We went to Alaska on the Luminosa in May and we asked for a fan and the fleece blanket. We received both from our awesome steward David! David went above and beyond! We did buy a bottle and he had our ice bucket filled daily as well. I ALWAYS save our towel animals (I hide them in the closet since they do remove the animals daily) and I take a picture with all my animal friends on the last day of the cruise 😅

[@deev556]

That’s a great idea. ❤

[@jameswilson5165]

Are those made on the ship? They probably have a basket full when they clean the rooms. Don't forget the towel station by the pools! Those folks make much larger animals with the towels.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Haha love that

[@marilynnkadan7948]

I often thought I need stool or foot bar in shower, to shave legs easily. So I will ask for aid next ship! tks for hint

[@michaels3003]

Very creative idea. Save the animals.

[@martinazorc280]

The Carnival blue blanket is phenomenal, very large, super warm and fantastic to the touch.

[@lifewithgrandmabev]

TFS. Good information for newbies.

[@THERetiredHomeskoolMomma]

Great tips! Ty ty ty!

[@ruthadams7133]

Great video. I requested most of these and received them. I always tip generously

[@lisastrange6754]

I ask my Steward for just that my ice buckets and they put it in my fridge. daily, and you're right on the first day, and they never forget on every cruise with Carnival. I just learned about bathrobes and slippers in September 2022 from your channel.❤ So, since then, I have asked for one on day one cruising with Carnival. Thank you! Love your channel.

[@melissahomin3528]

I leave $20 a day as I do ask for hangers on the first day and ice daily. I clip the money with their card on the wall that is easily spotted so they know it’s for them. Last day, our Stewart came to say good bye. I asked if he would enjoy the bottle of wine we never opened along with the rest of the small bags of variety of snacks. I told him, I hope he doesn’t and to throw it out and he can enjoy it! He said sure and would share with some other crew members.

[@melissahomin3528]

I meant to add, the last day the $20 was in a personal thank you note and it was great I could give it to him in person.

[@foodtestingstrips]

This was very helpful

[@susanfromtoronto5168]

Have taken several Holland America cruises with my elderly mom. Cabin stewards have been very helpful in providing CPAP extension cord, bath stool and arranging for Installation of hand held shower spray (best to request some of these in advance), Also asked that mini fridge be emptied of items for sale on first day so it could be used to store goodies purchased ashore. Requested fresh fruitwas provided daily. Coffee delivered to cabin each morning.

[@paular601]

You are always so helpful. Thank you for all you do. I appreciate you and your family.

[@LifeWellCruised]

You’re so sweet! I appreciate you too :)

[@loribarber4526]

The blue fleece blankie is awesome

[@user-qy7hv6zw6c]

Love your video😊

[@lorimasterson8427]

I'm so excited, my husband and I are going on our 2nd Alaska cruise. It is a nice change from our usual Caribbean cruises. In every cold drink, we both like a lot of ice. We always ask the cabin steward for ice twice per day. We mostly cruise with Celebrity and they still have cabin service twice per day anyway, so it's always been done without a problem. We hadn't thought about keeping the ice bucket in the fridge until one of your viewers mentioned it, but we will try that as well.

[@matersworkshop6123]

I have been on 3 Carnival cruises and each time I asked my cabin steward about a problem they had it resolved that day. The first one was instead of 2 twins there was a king. The second one was not having something in the cabin I had paid for before the cruise. Last one on embarcation day a hinge on the closet was broke.

[@lyndawoods1528]

helpful thank you

[@Luv2Pplwatch]

Love these ideas, will definitely make some of those requests! Thanks 😊

[@owlscoffeecats]

🎉Amazing videos! You are giving my husband & I so much information for our first cruise. I appreciate your hard work with the videos!

[@laurieh5489]

I've been cruising with Royal Caribbean for most of my cruises. I always ask for extra hangers and the cabin steward is very good about getting those for me. I also get a robe if there is not one already in the cabin. I've asked for refills of ice for the ice bucket and that is a nice extra. I always ask that the bed be set up as a queen but have usually done this in advance of the cruise with a customer service agent and it may be the default setup (esp if you are solo) but helps to have that arranged in advance. They are very accomodating of requests (cabin stewards) and just need to know what extras you might want. I tip them well for their extra attention to my cabin and doing a great job to add comfort to my stay.

[@sbayles5593]

This is great information.

[@kerrybeavers2988]

Carnival's blue fleece blanket is wonderful!

[@vickiehanson9381]

Our first cruise ever! So excited! Thank you for all the info and tips. 😍

[@constanceworden487]

Enjoy yourself!! We are taking a very good friend on her first cruise in 2 weeks! She usually does Resort vacations. She took us on our first resort vacation last year…we prefer cruising!!

[@tanyajohnson9973]

The Blanket is awesome to take outside and watch the movie

[@frankievermillion5429]

Very helpful ❤

[@tjhumphrey7010]

I've borrowed blue fleece blankets on Carnival ships while watching the outdoor movies. So cozy!

[@user-yi5eu9xr5q]

We always take a box of Sees candy for our cabin steward and one for guest services. Both take very good care of us. 😉

[@carolinecutler9080]

Went on my first cruise with 2 other people (my daughter-in-law and her mom). I saw the couch in the cabin and asked the steward for an extra blanket/pillow since that’s where I was sleeping. I’m far from picky and easygoing. He was so sweet and turned that couch into a comfortable bed. I was so happy! I felt like a queen. He teased me during that whole cruise about how excited I was about that. 😂

[@nonnauu3977]

You must have booked a cabin that sleeps 3 and the couches are the intended 3rd bed unless there is one that drops down from the ceiling. I’m curious as to where you thought you were going to sleep?

[@carolinecutler9080]

@@nonnauu3977It was a balcony cabin that slept 3. I wasn’t sure the sleeping arrangements when I got there so I figured I’d just take the couch instead of trying to fit all 3 of us in one bed. I’d sleep on the balcony if I had to 😂. I just have a hard time sleeping with anyone next to me so I opted for the couch. All I needed was a blanket and I’m good as long as nobody is next to me while I sleep. When I checked the website it didn’t say much about the sleeping arrangements but all my friends that have cruised told me it might be a tight fit so I thought we would be in one big bed or a trundle. It’s amazing how many can fit in one cabin though.

[@ScottLara]

Ty!!!